In recognition of National Day of Mourning 2016

Posted by Yukon Liberal Party864.20pc on April 28, 2016

Mr. Silver: Today I rise on behalf of the Liberal caucus to also pay tribute to the National Day of Mourning. On April 28 every year, we come together and we remember the workers whose lives have been lost and those who have been injured while on the job and to renew our collective commitment to occupational health and safety.

Today we join the rest of Canada and countries around the world to honour the millions of lives that have been forever changed by workplace injuries. Although we continue to make gains forward together for stronger health and safety regulations, workplace injuries and related deaths are still far too common. One workplace injury is one too many injuries in the workplace, Mr. Speaker.

Since 1984, 63 Yukoners have not returned home from work. The Day of Mourning reminds us how critical it is to enforce and follow all health and safety regulations. All workers should have the right to workplace safety and a healthy work environment, and no one should ever become a victim of unsafe workplaces.

Mr. Speaker, workplace health and safety is a shared responsibility. It is up to both the employer and the employee to follow workplace safety procedures and to report any unsafe conditions immediately. Even something that may seem small can become catastrophic if left ignored. By working together, then — and only then — can we hope not only to reduce, but to prevent and eliminate workplace injuries.

As we gather to renew our commitment to preventing further workplace injuries, we also pause to reflect on and honour all workers who have been injured or killed on the job and mourn with the families and the friends they have left behind. As we pay our respects, we must not allow the memory or suffering of those workers to be forgotten. We remember the tragedies suffered and we also unite in the triumphs that are achieved.